Learning New Instruments as an Adult: Go For It!

Music has been my life since I was very young, but that doesn’t mean I’ve reached a plateau. Part of being a musician is realizing that there’s always more to learn.

Right now, I’m learning how to play the piano.

Because I already read music and have some basic knowledge, the learning process may be easier for myself than other adults. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it too.

Yes, You Can Still Learn

I don’t know for sure that an old dog can learn new tricks, but I do know that an adult can learn to play instruments.

A neuroscientist from the University of California Irvine did research on the auditory system and brain. His findings showed that it’s harder for an adult brain to learn an instrument, but it’s not impossible.

When you’re 5-years-old, it’s easy to learn something new. Your whole life is basically a cycle of waking up and learning new things. However, your brain can still adapt later in life, creating new synapses that allow your brain cells to learn new habits.

Why It Might Be Easier

I’m not the type to do something I don’t want to do. If someone would’ve forced me into learning the piano years ago, I wouldn’t have tried as hard. That’s one reason learning music might be easier as an adult. Your own motivation will do wonders. You’re not a kid being forced to attend music lessons once a week. You’re doing something you actually want to do.

Also, you’ve had time throughout your life become more familiar with different kinds of music. I’ve been emerged in the music scene from a young age, but any musical involvement is a good primer for your brain to learn a new instrument.

If you’ve wanted to learn an instrument, go for it. What do you have to lose? Everyone has hobbies. I was lucky enough to turn mine into a career, but even learning to play an instrument for personal enjoyment could be a fun adventure.

For fellow musicians out there, I’m encouraging you to learn something new, as well. How cool would it be to surprise your fans with something they didn’t expect.

Even Freddie Mercury, an authentic frontman, would take a break from running around the stage to play the piano for his audience. Just take a look at his Bohemian Rhapsody performances.

It’s possible to stay true to who you are while still keeping it interesting.